Aussies in sight of No 1 ranking

Despite Bird’s best efforts New Zealand resurrected their drive to save the contest as BJ Watling and Matt Henry stretched the second innings to 335, a lead of 200. 

Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja had Australia in sight of victory after an absorbing fourth day marked by stubborn resistance from New Zealand and umpire abuse by the tourists. With Burns on 27 and Khawaja 19, Australia were 70 for 1 at stumps requiring a further 131 at Hagley Oval here to sweep the series and reclaim the world number one ranking. 

Jackson Bird, with his first five-wicket Test haul, and James Pattinson combined to end the New Zealand second innings, giving Australia a 201-run target. 

David Warner, who has struggled on New Zealand surfaces, was the Australian wicket to fall, caught behind for 22. Neil Wagner, using the short ball that provided him with six wickets in the first innings, caught Warner’s glove and BJ Watling completed the dismissal down the leg-side. 

Burns offered chances but luck was on his side. On 19, he pulled Henry through square leg where Wagner was unable to hold a difficult chance. On 23, an inside edge off Matt Henry sailed close to off stump. Khawaja, however, looked untroubled and effortlessly moved to 19 off 23 deliveries. 

Although Australia have been dominant for much of the Test, New Zealand put up a valiant fight with two century partnerships as they battled to save the contest. Kane Williamson made 97 when adding 102 for the fifth wicket with Corey Anderson. The loss of Anderson for 40 was the start of a Bird strike that claimed three wickets in six balls. Williamson and Tim Southee also fell before BJ Watling and Henry mounted rear-guard resistance. 

They added 118 for the eighth wicket to get New Zealand up to 328 for 7 before another batting meltdown saw the final three wickets fall for seven runs. Anderson, having pocketed his usual attacking instincts, occupied the crease for three hours before shelving caution and driving at a wide delivery which he edged on to the stumps.